There is no single best treatment for acne scars. It depends on scar type first. Ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars are atrophic (depressed). Some rolling scars are tethered by bands under the skin. Raised scars are hypertrophic or keloid. Flat red or brown marks after acne are often post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), not true scars. At Dr Ed Robinson Clinics in Hale, near Altrincham, assessment is doctor-led so your plan can match what you actually have.
For true atrophic and tethered scarring we often discuss subcision, Erbium laser resurfacing (including ProFractional and deeper options), HALO® TRIBRID™, SkinPen® microneedling, and fillers where a temporary lift makes sense. MOXI® and BBL® HEROic™ (broadband light, not a true laser) play a much smaller role for structural scars. For the local treatment-menu path, see acne scarring treatments in Hale.
Know your scar type first
Acne scars are usually grouped into atrophic (depressed) scars and hypertrophic (raised) scars. Marks after acne are a separate problem.
Atrophic (depressed) scars
These form when tissue is lost during healing. They are the most common acne scars and include:
- Ice pick scars: small, deep, narrow pits. Often the hardest to improve because of their depth.
- Boxcar scars: broader, square or rectangular depressions with sharper edges, commonly on the cheeks and temples.
- Rolling / tethered scars: wavy or undulating depressions. Many are held down by fibrous bands under the skin, which is why releasing those bands (subcision) is often part of the plan.
Hypertrophic and keloid (raised) scars
These come from excess collagen during healing. Hypertrophic scars stay within the original spot. Keloids can grow beyond it and may be itchy or darker. Plans for raised scars differ from atrophic scar work and are assessed separately.
Marks after acne (PIH) are not the same as scars
Flat red or brown marks are often post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They are colour changes, not pits or tethers. They may fade with time, skincare, and colour-focused pathways. See our guide to pigmentation and age spots. Treating PIH is not the same job as treating ice pick, boxcar or rolling scars.
Should active acne be treated first?
Usually yes. Aggressive scar work is often deferred while breakouts and open wounds settle, because new spots can create new scars. Chemical peels, medical acne care, and light-based acne-colour pathways (for example Forever Clear-style BBL for bacteria and redness) belong here, under active acne and surface quality, not under “best for true scarring”. If severe active acne needs specialist input, we may suggest your GP refers you to a skin doctor. We are a doctor-led aesthetics and skin clinic, not a dermatology service.
Subcision for tethered / rolling scars
Subcision is a technique performed by our doctors that releases fibrous bands tethering rolling or bound-down scars. Once those bands are freed, the depression can sit higher, and we often combine subcision with SkinPen®, resurfacing, or fillers. It is not a miracle on its own, and not every scar needs it. We discuss suitability and aftercare in consultation. There is no separate subcision product page on this site; the pathway is covered under our scar revision concern and on the acne scarring treatment menu.
Erbium laser resurfacing: ProFractional to deep
Erbium laser resurfacing is one of the stronger tools we use for selected atrophic acne scars at Hale. Settings range from lighter fractional work (including ProFractional-style approaches) through to deeper Erbium resurfacing when depth and downtime are appropriate after assessment. Downtime depends on how aggressive the pass is. Comfort is managed carefully with numbing where appropriate. Suitability, expected recovery, and whether Erbium or another device fits better are decided in consultation. Prefer the Erbium treatment page for device detail rather than guessing prices here.
HALO® TRIBRID™ laser resurfacing
HALO® TRIBRID™ is a hybrid fractional laser that can address texture, sun-damaged skin quality, and selected atrophic scarring when that overlap fits your goals. It is delivered at our Hale flagship only, not at Harley Street. Comfort is managed with numbing and, where appropriate, nerve blocks. Recovery is typically several days depending on settings. HALO is not automatically “best” for every scar type; ice pick depth, tethering, and skin type still steer the plan.
SkinPen® microneedling for atrophic scars
SkinPen® microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen and elastin. For suitable atrophic scars it is often planned as a course, sometimes combined with PRP or with subcision / resurfacing. It is a real scar option when assessment supports it, not a one-session fix. Downtime is usually limited compared with deeper laser resurfacing, which is why many local patients start here when texture is mild to moderate.
Dermal fillers for selected depressions
Hyaluronic acid fillers can temporarily lift selected rolling or boxcar depressions. Results are not permanent, and fillers do not replace releasing tethers or rebuilding collagen. They are sometimes used alongside SkinPen® or laser work. Suitability and product choice are discussed in consultation.
What helps less for true scarring (be honest)
MOXI®: honest limits
MOXI® is a gentler fractional laser that can help tone, early texture, and prep. For true acne scars it will barely touch deep pits or tethered rolling scars. We may still use it as a minor supportive step in a wider plan, but it should not be sold as a primary acne-scar treatment.
BBL® HEROic™: acne, colour and marks
BBL® HEROic™ is broadband light, not a true laser. It is stronger for acne bacteria pathways, redness, and colour / marks than for structural scarring. Forever Clear-style settings can support active acne colour; that is not the same as repairing ice pick or boxcar depth. For scarring alone, BBL is barely a scar tool.
Chemical peels: acne and surface, not main scar therapy
Chemical peels can help active acne, oil, and surface quality, and they may soften the look of flat pigment marks. They are not a main treatment for true atrophic acne scarring (ice pick, boxcar, rolling). We do not list peels as a top option for structural scars.
Combination plans
Most meaningful scar plans combine tools. A common pattern is calm the acne, release tethers where needed, rebuild collagen with SkinPen® and/or resurfacing (Erbium / HALO when suitable), then refine colour if marks remain. Nothing is guaranteed; results and downtime are assessment-dependent. Consultation comes first.
Which options are often discussed for which scar types?
These are starting points for discussion, not guarantees:
- Rolling / tethered: subcision often; SkinPen® and/or resurfacing; fillers for temporary lift when useful.
- Boxcar: Erbium (ProFractional to deeper) and/or HALO® TRIBRID™ when suitable; SkinPen® course; fillers selectively.
- Ice pick: deeper resurfacing options may be discussed; often harder to clear fully; combination and realistic goals matter.
- Raised scars: different pathway from atrophic work; assessed case by case.
- PIH / red-brown marks: not scars; skincare, pigment pathways, and sometimes light-based or gentler laser support. See the pigmentation concern.
Acne scar treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for acne scars overall?
It depends on scar type. For tethered rolling scars, subcision is often central. For many atrophic scars we discuss Erbium, HALO® TRIBRID™, and SkinPen®. MOXI®, BBL® HEROic™ and peels are not primary scar cures. A consultation comes first.
What is subcision for acne scars?
Subcision releases fibrous bands under tethered or rolling scars so the skin can sit higher. It is often combined with microneedling, resurfacing or fillers. See our scar revision page for how this sits in wider scar care.
Is HALO used for acne scars?
Yes, when suitable. HALO® TRIBRID™ can help texture and selected atrophic scarring, especially when sun damage and skin quality are part of the picture. It is not automatic for every scar type.
What is the difference between ProFractional and deep Erbium?
Both sit on the Erbium resurfacing spectrum. ProFractional-style passes are typically more fractional / targeted. Deeper Erbium resurfacing is more intensive, with more downtime, when depth is needed. Which intensity fits you is decided after assessment. Details are on the Erbium page.
Does MOXI treat acne scars?
Barely, for true structural scars. MOXI® may support tone, early texture or prep. It should not be your main expectation for deep pits or tethered rolling scars.
Is BBL a laser for acne scars?
No. BBL® HEROic™ is broadband light, not a true laser. It is better for acne, colour and marks than for deep pits. For scarring alone it is barely a scar tool.
Do chemical peels remove acne scars?
Peels help acne and surface quality more than true scarring. They are not a main treatment for ice pick, boxcar or rolling scars.
Are red or brown marks the same as scars?
No. PIH is colour change, not a pit or tether. Plans differ. See pigmentation and age spots when marks are the main issue.
Where are acne scar treatments carried out?
Lasers and energy devices for acne scarring are at our Hale clinic near Altrincham, Cheshire. Harley Street visits are for injectables only, not lasers.
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
The best option is the one matched to scar type after assessment, not a one-size product. Ice pick, boxcar, rolling, tethered and PIH each need a different plan.
Do ice pick scars need different care from rolling scars?
Often yes. Depth, tethering and surrounding skin quality change whether we lean toward SkinPen microneedling, Erbium laser resurfacing, subcision, light-based care such as BBL HEROic or MOXI for pigment marks, or a combination.
Book a consultation
To discuss acne scar treatment at our Hale clinic, start with the acne scarring treatments menu, book a consultation, or WhatsApp the clinic on 0161 399 0631. Email: clinic.info@dredrobinson.co.uk.